ACN 132 670 261
VOL. 5 NO. 18 - February 2013
ABN 52 132 670 261
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Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including their Regional Directors and Metropolitan Project Directors including their top personnel throughout their State. Key Civil Engineering personnel from all Australian Road Civil Engineering companies. Key Road Personnel within every Australian Local Government Council each issue
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Road Stabilisation Feature - Pages 8-18
Better roads for a more productive Australia I
N a matter of months, a ribbon will be snipped and the first car will make its way onto the shiny new tarmac of a by-pass at Holbrook on the Hume Highway in southern NSW. By-passes are hardly new but this one will be more special than most. What it will do is link Melbourne and Sydney with an entirely duplicated highway, all 808 kilometres of it. Almost two centuries after the explorers Hume and Hovell plotted a path from Sydney south to Port Phillip Bay, Australians will finally be able to enjoy a safe and separated 21st century road between our two biggest cities. Head north from Sydney along the Pacific Highway, and no-one who’s travelled that road in recent years could have missed the extensive road improvements either completed or underway. On any day, there are 1800 people at work constructing bypasses, duplicating sections and eliminating dangerous bends. On average, 24,000 vehicles use the Pacific Highway each day and the Federal Labor Government has set aside our share of further funds, on top of the $4.1 billion committed since 2007, to fully duplicate the highway. It is a similar story in Queensland where the long, serpentine Bruce Highway stretches 1,650 kilometres from Brisbane northward to Cairns. Under Federal Labor, an unprecedented $2.8 billion is being invested in this vital arterial to make it better, safer and more flood-proof. It includes $440 million to fix 100 black spots, build 20 new rest areas and 52 overtaking lanes. This is more than twice as much as that spent under the former Coalition Government during its 12 years in office. These major road investments are long overdue. When Federal Labor was elected to office in November 2007, we faced a major infrastructure deficit. The OECD ranked Australia 20 out of 25 member nations when it came to investing in public infrastructure as a proportion of national income. This lack of investment had cut almost one percentage point off annual growth. The road budget alone had been cut by more than two billion dollars. Transport offers potentially large gains in national productivity. That is why we are funding a six year $36 billion Nation Building Program, the biggest investment in roads and rail in Australian history. This year alone, Nation Building improvements will save the road freight industry a collective $600 million. We have coupled targeted road upgrades with something that has not been achieved by any Government since Federation: one set of national road freight rules. This will free interstate trucks from the current multitude of confusing and often contradictory rules on fatigue and load size and hundreds of other conditions that vary depending on the State or Territory you find yourself in. The new national rules, to come into effect next January, herald a vastly easier life for the nation’s truck drivers who commonly share their cabins with compliance log-books as thick as phone books. Another key to improving national productivity has been the growing number of transport intermodals in urban and regional Australia. Our decision to invest in Moorebank alone will bring benefits of at least $10 billion over the next three decades. It will also remove 3,300 trucks each day from Sydney’s congested roads. Our investment in a new intermodal near Horsham in Victoria’s northwest will service the rich agricultural district
Publisher: AUSTRALIAN MAIN ROADS CONSTRUCTION NEWS PTY LTD ACN 132 670 261 ABN 52 132 670 261 Publisher:
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of the Wimmera and act as a vital transfer point between Adelaide and Melbourne. Nowhere is the need for better roads more evident than in our cities where congestion acts as a giant brake on national productivity. Idling in traffic steals time better spent with families or at the workplace. Better use of electronic signage on our bigger urban highways and traffic pulsing has improved transport flows by up to 15 percent, while new urban freeways such as the Ipswich Motorway and the Melbourne’s Western Ring Road are helping alleviate the extended peak hour crush. Prioritising our $28 billion road investment has been achieved with the creation of Infrastructure Australia, an independent assessor which conducts cost benefit analyses of projects. In this way, projects are prioritised according to their national rather than electoral benefit. This is not always welcomed by the States when it clashes with their own funding plans. However, the system is fair and transparent and the winners are the Australian people who can be confident that their tax-payer dollars are funding the best projects for the nation. It is the same assessment system that will guide the second Nation Building Program to take effect from 2014/15. Benjamin Franklin first declared ‘time is money’ and it’s an ancient truism known to anyone who must move goods to market. How quickly goods can reach that market, whether it’s to a boutique in Brisbane or a steel plant in Beijing, is the key to a more productive Australia. The role of Government is to help build the transport links that allow that economic activity to flourish not just today, but for decades to come.
PLEASE NOTE: For all advertising enquiries for all future issues of Australian Main Roads Construction News, please contact TOM COOK on (07) 5478 9432. Our previous national sales manager, Kane Gamble is no longer employed by AMRCN. Page 2 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including their Regional Directors and Metropolitan Project Directors including their top personnel throughout their State. Key Civil Engineering personnel from all Australian Road Civil Engineering companies. Key Road Personnel within every Australian Local Government Council each issue
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Editorial Contributions Civil Engineering, Local Government Councils including all State Road Authorities are invited to submit editorial, photo input on any intermediate or major road infrastructure projects that they are involved with or are nearing completion, to appear in a future issue of the Australian Main Roads Construction News, free of charge to allow and inform our national readership of the many diverse road infrastructure projects currently being undertaken throughout Australia. In the first instance, please contact the publisher, Tom Cook for further details on: (07) 5478 9432 or email: admin@amrcn.com.au Web: www.amrcn.com.au
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In this issue: • Bul Bul Bridge Officially Opened
Page 3 • Tasmania’s Largest Road Infrastructure Project Completed Page 4 • Visit by International Road Federation Chief Kempsey Bypass Helps Locals Graduate Page 5 • BMD rise to the challenge on Clyde Road Duplication Pages 6-7 • Polycom Stabilising Aid is used in many different applications Australia Wide Pages - 8-9 • Special Feature Australian Construction Equipment EXPO Pages 10-17 • Federal Updates on Road Infrastructure Projects Page 18 • Vital TPAR Project Reaches Journeys End Page 19 • Federal Updates on Road Infrastructure Projects Page 20
Bul Bul Bridge Officially Opened A
newly constructed bridge spanning the Daly River – 236 kilometres southwest of Darwin – was officially opened on 14 December 2012.The Bul Bul Bridge was completed in November 2012, and replaces a low level concrete causeway as the primary means of crossing the river dividing Daly River and Port Keats roads. The 184-metre long bridge was built 850 metres downstream of the causeway crossing. On average, wet season flooding of the causeway closes the road link for 114 days each year. The bridge is about 13 metres higher than the causeway and is expected to be submerged for about five days each year during major flood events. It will vastly improve accessibility by industries and communities along the roads, especially the remote centres of Wadeye, Palumpa and Peppimenarti.
The bridge supports a single vehicular lane, but can be widened to two lanes to accommodate future increases in traffic, and features a pedestrian walkway and underpass. Site construction commenced in July 2011 and the foundations and superstructure were completed in October 2012. The project included two kilometres of new road embankments connecting the bridge to the roads, The $24 million project received $11 million from the Northern Territory Government and $13 million from the Australian Government, as part of the Community Beef and Mining Roads Program under the Nation Building Program. The bridge was named Bul Bul Bridge in honour of the renowned Aboriginal tracker, who died in1943. In earlier flood mitigation works, a bridge was built at Five Mile Creek and Tommy Creek crossing on Daly River Road, and a series of reinforced concrete box culverts were installed to raise Port Keats Road at Tom Turners Creek Crossing.
Above: NT Transport Minister Adam Giles (left) and Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon officially opening the Bul Bul Bridge
Right: Ribbon cutting with Minister Giles and Minister Snowdon, with local Indigenous children Above left: The new Bul Bul Bridge
Left: The causeway that, before the bridge, constituted the crossing over the Daly. As you can imagine, it takes little to flood it
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 3
Tasmania’s Largest Road Infrastructure Project Completed
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ASMANIA’s largest ever road infrastructure project has been opened to traffic with the official opening of the $191 million Brighton Bypass recently, months ahead of schedule.
Federal Minister for Community Services Julie Collins and Federal Labor Member for Lyons Dick Adams joined Premier Lara Giddings and Minister for Infrastructure David O’Byrne to cut the ribbon on the completed project. Ms Collins said that the early opening of the Brighton Bypass showed the Federal Labor government’s commitment to delivering transport projects of national significance in Tasmania. “Projects like the $50 million Kingston Bypass and the Brighton Bypass were hallmarks of our record Nation Building 1 investments that totalled over $800 million across Tasmania,” Ms Collins said. “Under Labor, that Federal infrastructure spending in Tasmania nearly doubled from $157 to $264 per person during Nation Building 1. “Tasmanians know that they will always get a better deal under a Federal Labor Government. “It is great to see this significant commitment be realised and the benefits flowing to the Tasmanian community.” Mr Adams said the Brighton Bypass would support Tasmanians to move around the state more safely and efficiently. “Getting this major project completed ahead of schedule means that local residents across Tasmanian’s largest electorate of Lyons will see the benefits even sooner,” Mr Adams said. “I am proud of the ongoing commitment by Tasmanian Labor’s state and federal members to our local community that has ensured this project’s completion. “Labor will continue to fight for the interests of all Tasmanians and I look forward to working with Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Anthony Albanese and the State government to deliver the next stage of Tasmania’s transport
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investment through Nation Building 2,” said Mr Adams. Ms Giddings said that the Brighton Bypass is a shining example of the State and Federal Labor governments working together to build infrastructure that secures jobs and opportunities for Tasmanians. “The Brighton Bypass is just one of a number of projects on the State Government’s strong infrastructure agenda which also includes the $104 million Midlands Water Scheme, the $586 million redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital, the $50 million rehabilitation of the Hobart railyards and the $90 million Community Roads Program,” Ms Giddings said. “This project demonstrates our commitment to infrastructure that will secure jobs and opportunities for Tasmanians. Even in these
tough budget times we have ensured that our infrastructure spending exceeds pre GFC levels to keep people employed in the construction industry. “The Brighton Bypass has been on the drawing board for decades and it has taken cooperation and a shared Labor commitment to Tasmania’s future to bring it to reality.” Mr O’Byrne said that the bypass was a crucial piece of local infrastructure and a significant investment in the Tasmanian economy. “This major project was delivered well ahead of schedule and has provided a significant economic stimulus to the Tasmanian construction industry,” Mr O’Byrne said. “More than 1800 workers have contributed to the bypass during the period of peak construction. “The Brighton Bypass provided a significant
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injection into the Tasmanian economy and will now improve safety and cut travelling time on the Midland Highway for all Tasmanians. “Contracting national partners Thiess and John Holland, local Tasmanian firms VEC Civil Engineering and Hazell Bros who undertook contract work and DIER deserve great credit for bringing this project in ahead of schedule, which means it will start protecting lives and easing congestion even earlier,” he said. The State Government recognises and respects the significance of the Jordan River levee and the importance of the site to the Aboriginal community. An additional $15million was spent to build a bridge over the Levee to ensure the site is protected for the future. The bypass was opened to traffic following the official opening event.
Visit by International Kempsey Bypass Helps Locals Graduate Road Federation Chief
Above: International Road Federation executive vice-president Mike Dreznes will be the lunchtime guest speaker at a BarrierGuard live crash demonstration undertaken by driver Matt Sofi
T
HE executive vice-president of the International Road Federation, Mike Dreznes, will visit Australia early next year for a number of key meetings.
Mr Dreznes is recognised as one of the world’s leading experts on roadside safety and travels the world promoting the concept of “forgiving highways”. Based in Chicago, he has conducted road safety seminars in more than 50 countries. The visit – sponsored by Boylan Group and Coates Hire – will enable Mr Dreznes to meet with government and industry leaders in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as making the keynote address to the Australian Road Engineering and Maintenance Conference on March 13. He will also be the lunchtime speaker at a live crash demonstration of the BarrierGuard road safety barrier at Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway on March 15. The demonstration will involve a car impacting the barrier at 80km/h after crossing one lane of traffic at an angle of 15 degrees. Barrierguard - the highest-rating road safety barrier in Australia - has been designed to absorb an impact and will redirect the vehicle back on to the road with minimal damage to the car or the barrier. Attendees will be invited to inspect both the car and the barrier following the impact. Industry professionals interested in attending the lunch and live crash demonstration are invited to email patriciaf@boylan.net.au for further details. To watch a live crash demonstration conducted in Sydney recently, visit www.boylan.net.au
M
ORE than 60 local Kempsey workers graduated recently in construction competencies completed through programs run by the fully Federally funded Pacific Highway Kempsey Bypass project. The graduation ceremony awarded upgrade workers who completed: • Certificate II Road Construction and Maintenance; • Certificate III Plant Operations; •Certificate III Road Construction and Maintenance – Paving and Earthwork; or • Certificate of Attainments in Paving Skill Sets. Duty Senator for Cowper Matt Thistlethwaite said the graduate cohort included 11 Aboriginal trainees and 23 workers who will be the first in Australia to be nationally recognised for competencies related to paving. “With 360 direct jobs and 1,100 indirect jobs supported by construction of the bypass, local employment is one major benefit of the bypass for the Kempsey community,” he said. “Recent work at the bypass includes the final support beam for the bridge superstructure
over the Macleay River and floodplain being delivered and installed, which will be 3.2 kilometres long when completed, making it the longest bridge in Australia,” Senator Thistlethwaite said. NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Oxley Andrew Stoner said the 14.5 kilometre bypass is on track to be completed by Easter this year, weather permitting. “Work being carried out from South Kempsey to Pola Creek includes continuing road surface work, building on the northbound ramp near Kempsey Indoor Sports Centre and bulk earthwork and road surfacing preparations at the interchange roundabout to the west of the existing Pacific Highway. “At Frederickton work is continuing at the levee and boat ramp, on the embankment across the old Pacific Highway. The removal of excess dirt and material from the old Pacific Highway worksite has also started,” said Mr Stoner. The $618 million Kempsey Bypass is fully funded by the Federal Government and project managed by the NSW Government.
Above: Matt Sofi
Above: The car impacts at 80kmh at an angle of 15 degrees www.amrcn.com.au
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 5
BMD rise to the challenge on Clyde Road Duplication The duplication of Clyde Road, currently being constructed by BMD in three stages, is a complex project. Located in the heart of a busy, highly populated, residential and business zone, Clyde Road is an important transport, retail and commercial link, integral to the historic town of Berwick, one of Melbourne’s ever-expanding outer suburbs.
T
HE construction zone is in an area that it needs to be kept on the move so any disruption must be minimised for residents, business people, shoppers and visitors. Typically, as with all major projects in a high density traffic zone, logistical management is critical to the efficient delivery of the project and Paul Dall’Oglio, Construction Manager for BMD Constructions, relishes the task. “The Clyde Road duplication project is multi-faceted and presents a number of key challenges. Not least is the ongoing construction schedule that needs to be maintained without disrupting access to the high number of businesses and residents located along the project route. Apart from the carriageways the scope of the project includes several signalised intersections to be constructed or re-modeled and for good measure, there’s also a railway level crossing within the project zone. Activities within the construction zone can also impact on the movement of pedestrians to and from the many businesses as well as the shopping and café precinct in the nearby High Street. So ensuring that pedestrians retain safe access during construction is paramount,” said Mr. Dall’Oglio.
BMD Construction will complete the $55.6 million project in three stages on behalf of VicRoads. Stage one will see the construction of north and southbound carriageways between High Street and Mansfield Street with stage two constructing the carriageways from Mansfield Street to Jane Street. Stage three will complete the new link from Jane Street to Kangan Drive. The BMD project team will upgrade and expand the major High Street intersection in Berwick, providing dedicated right turn lanes on each approach to the intersection which will be controlled by new traffic signals. The new intersection will operate as a conventional signalised intersection and will be much safer. The design will remove the current confusion experienced by motorists when turning right from High Street. They will no longer conflict with through traffic and the intersection will be far more efficient. The project design and scope ensures that the overall emphasis will be on safety, access and efficiency for both motorists and pedestrians. The Mansfield Street and Langmore Lane Intersection will be realigned and new traffic lights will be installed at the Mansfield Street/Langmore Lane and Reserve Street intersections and will incorporate signalised pedestrian crossings. The Mansfield Street intersection will be upgraded and feature new traffic lights and dedicated right turn lanes. This will dramatically improve safety and access to and from Clyde Road. The Enterprise Ave intersection will be improved and will include the installation of signalised pedestrian crossings. Kangan Drive Intersection will also benefit with an upgrade of the pedestrian crossing. Local access roads will be upgraded including Jane Street which will benefit leftturning vehicles both in and out. Signalised pedestrian crossings will be installed in Reserve Street and upgrades to Adams Lane will provide left-in and left-out access from Adams Lane onto Clyde Road. Highlighting the resulting improved access will be the ability of motorists wishing to travel north along Clyde Road towards Berwick to make a left turn from Adams Lane and then make a U-turn at the upgraded Langmore Lane/Mansfield Street intersection which will include traffic signals and dedicated right turn lanes. The completed project will also accommodate motorists wishing to turn left, both in and out of Anne Street onto Lyall Road and will allow similar access from Gibb Street onto Clyde Road. Importantly, throughout all these challenging construction elements the ongoing needs of motorists and pedestrians in and around the construction zone are
Page 6 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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BMD rise to the challenge on Clyde Road Duplication
being managed through a unique partnership developed by BMD with the City of Casey and VicRoads. One of the particular concerns has been the daily need for pedestrians to cross Clyde Road between High Street and Reserve Street to access medical facilities in the Clyde Road Service Road. The partnership will shortly establish a free community bus which will operate twice a week to take elderly residents to and from their medical appointments in Clyde Rd Service Road. The pilot trial is due to start on 3 December 2012. VicRoads and BMD Constructions have worked closely with the Berwick community and the City of Casey to retain, relocate, donate and protect as many trees along Clyde Road and roses at High Street intersection as possible. The timber from the removed trees was donated to Berwick District Woodworkers Club and will be used to create items for the local community. VicRoads will plant approximately 90 advanced oak trees to help restore the leafy character of Clyde Road. Apart from the logistical challenge of keeping Berwick on the move, weather can also be a problem. The suburb, south east of Melbourne, is located in the wettest part of Melbourne and apart from dealing with heavy rain, the ground conditions in the construction area are far from ideal. Paul Dall’Oglio also highlights how the historic nature of the area presents further challenges with regard to the location of services located underground. “Clyde Road is also one of the oldest roads in Melbourne so it’s well established and the level of development dates back considerably so there are a substantial number of unrecorded and unknown services relevant to the project. These need to be located and adapted to the project and so there is an extra challenge within the overall design and this presents further challenges during the construction phase. However, once complete the duplication and other benefits inherent in the project will transform the area and
provide a much enhanced facility for the road user and the residents and businesses along Clyde Rd.” But of course as far as BMD Constructions is concerned, overcoming such challenges is simply all part of a day’s work and the project is still on schedule with completion anticipated by mid to end of 2013.
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 7
PolyCom Stabilising Aid is used in many different applications Australia Wide U
NLIKE many other stabilising agents PolyCom Stabilising Aid is extremely versatile in the materials it can work with. The fact is customers around Australia are using PolyCom with great success for a multitude of applications in many very different types of materials. This is where PolyCom excels over traditional stabilising methods because of its versatility, sustainability and ease of use. PolyCom is easily Grader Mixed and works differently to other products, which enables thinner layers to work without cracking, separation or lamination. This is in part because a PolyCom treated pavement remains flexible. Preserving the dry strength of materials that usually fail when becoming wet. PolyCom also works equally as well when used with Stabilising machines for greater depths when required in extreme circumstances. Pavement Stabilising - A major benefit of incorporating PolyCom into your pavement is that whilst it most importantly
provides strength it consequently creates a pavement that is re-workable at any time. There are no time constraints, it is cost effective and easy to use. The requirement to bring in outside specialist’s is a thing of the past. We will train your staff on site to get the most out of PolyCom, we work with you to assist in making solid cost effective outcomes using your staff and equipment and encourage a relationship of collaborative ongoing support with our customers. Un-Sealed Roads - By incorporating PolyCom into your existing roads your maintenance and re-sheeting programs will require significantly less resources and maintenance intervals can be be significantly extended. Re-sheeting can be eliminated or reduced with PolyCom by reusing and improving what material already on site as opposed to importing distant and expensive material. Our customers keep using PolyCom on their un-sealed roads because it is cost negative and makes good sense.
Deep patching with PolyCom Page 8 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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Spreading PolyCom is simple
PolyCom used in Re Cycling existing road material
PolyCom is being specified in tenders on an ever increasing basis, this is testimonial to the fact that it provides results. Dust Control - PolyCom is not the silver bullet that stop dust entirely. There is nothing we have seen on the market that will. PolyCom will significantly reduce dust as it creates a tighter bound surface that will release less dust particles. By incorporating PolyCom into your unsealed roads they will be dramatically less inclined to fall apart thus the byproduct of this being dust will be notably reduced. Haul Roads - Improvements to running course strength and wearability as well as reductions in rolling resistance are easily achieved and just as easily maintained with small changes to operational procedures. These improved water resistant roads will deliver substantial net haul fleet savings to the operator.
Customers are also using PolyCom for: • Shoulder rehab and flood damage • Used in final trim to hold together pavement prior to sealing • Flood Ways • Airstrips • Footpaths • Driveways • Batters • Hardstands • Sporting Ovals
Remember with PolyCom you can reuse and improve what material is there. Think of the savings to time and money.
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 9
Sandown Racecourse, Melbourne February 21-23, 2013 EARTHMOVING DEMONSTRATION ARENA Once again in 2013, ACE is pleased to provide potential equipment buyers with a genuine hands-on experience of machinery on show in the Earthmoving Demonstration Arena. Book an appointment with your preferred exhibitor, or watch experienced operators take a variety of machines through their paces before you buy.
GREEN FLAG THURSDAY Seek out Australia’s best deals from leading brands on Thursday 21 February as exhibitors flying the “green flag” offer unmatchable, one-off specials on a range of equipment and services. These never-to-be-repeated, show only deals will not be offered after Thursday, so make the most of it and get in early for the best prices.
CIVIL CONTRACTOR FRIDAY In conjunction with the Civil Contractors federation, ACE 2013 will host its annual conference with delegates gaining free access to the expo on Friday afternoon. CCF members book now for the conference which includes a VIP Luncheon featuring special guest speaker, Mick Malthouse to make a booking please email acevic@etf.com.au or phone Jenny on 02 9556 7993.
FAMILY SATURDAY Let’s face it, we all work pretty hard during the week and rarely get enough time with our families. So, bring them along to ACE on Saturday for Family Day where kids will be entertained by a range of activities including a super treasure hunt and jumping castle. As a special treat, Australia’s favourite tradie, Bob the Builder will meet and greet between 11am and 2pm
Page 10 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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Geotechnical specialists C
OFFEY GEOTECHNICS (Coffey) is a specialist ground engineering consultancy, helping clients manage the earth. Coffey specialise in providing solutions from the initial site investigation through to analysis, design and construction monitoring of ground conditions for major infrastructure, buildings and mines. They strive to better understand
our client’s requirements, risk and constraints to help address and manage the increasing complications in today’s environment and pride themselves on our ability to provide innovative and cost effective solutions for projects of all sizes. Coffey Geotechnics has a long history of providing services for the physical design and
Specialists in managing the Earth
construction of roads and pavements across a range of industry sectors both in Australia and internationally. The range of services offered includes the following: • Geotechnical solutions for problematic sites • Geotechnical investigations (marine and on-land) • Pavement investigation, design and rehabilitation • Slope risk assessment and stabilisation (including cliff faces, cuttings, embankments and culverts) • Earthworks – design, testing and construction quality control • Foundations, shallow and deep footings, rafts, piles, underpinning – design, testing and construction quality control • Retaining wall assessment, design and remediation • Route selection and alignment assessment (roads, rail, tunnels, drainage etc) • Geotechnical and environmental monitoring – noise, dust, vibration, ground and structure movement monitoring • Groundwater issues • Dewatering and drainage • Assessment and management of problematic soil conditions – acid sulphate soils, sodic soils and dispersive soils
www.coffey.com Brisbane Office (Head Office – QLD) 47 Doggett Street Newstead QLD 4006 Ph: (07) 3608 2500 Contact: Dayan Jayasekera
Quality Tyres & Wheels
Townsville Office Unit 2c/125 Dalrymple Road Garbutt QLD 4814 Ph: (07) 4795 0500 Contact: Ryan Davis
Coffey has provided innovative geotechnical services for a number of major roads projects on some diverse and challenging projects. One of the more recent projects Coffey have been involved with is the Cardwell Range Upgrade Project in North Queensland from the competitive pre-tender stage right through construction on the project. The Cardwell Range Upgrade is a 4km long re-alignment (upgrade) of the Bruce Highway in Far North Queensland which extends through World Heritage Rainforest and TYTO Wetland Areas. The project is being constructed by an Alliance between DTMR (Qld), Abigroup and SMEC. Some of the main features of the project include an 180m long Viaduct, three other bridges including the Rungoo Overpass rail crossing (which replaces an infamous level crossing), a 600m long up to 27m deep cutting
On display at ACE Expo Site H-01
through variably weathered granite, numerous retaining walls, including a 100m long shored mechanically stabilised earth (SMSE) retaining structure. Coffey have been on-site during the majority of construction to ensure compliance with design and rapid response to developing issues associated with working in the wet tropics. Coffey adapted the embankment design during the construction stage to account for variation in site won material and minimise construction disruption during the very wet season immediately preceding cyclone Yasi. Over the past two years Coffey have also been working with DTMR (Qld), assisting them with their National Disaster Relief Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) work by undertaking slope risk assessment and slope remedial works (design and construction supervision of stabilisation works) at locations such as the Captain Cook Highway and Gillies Highway (near Cairns), the Eungella Range (near Mackay), The Cunningham Highway at Cunningham’s Gap, and the Warrego Highway at the Toowoomba Range crossing. Coffey has also recently carried out earthworks and pavement design for new and rehabilitated pavements on major projects such as the Gateway Upgrade Project and Northern Access Road Project near Brisbane.
Bearcat says “No more flat tyres” A
ustralian construction tyre, wheel and track distributor Bearcat Tyres will be displaying the new SOLIDEAL TLH solid air tyre for the first time. This new product is designed by the company in Belgium and provides a puncture proof option for high demand equipment. It could be the “product of the year” at ACE – so be sure to check it out. Contact your local equipment dealer for pricing or for technical assistance contact Richard Blacker on 02 9688 8817.
www.bearcat.com.au
For your local distributor contact Bearcat Tyres bearcat.com.au Keeping the wheels of industry rolling since 1973.
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 11
PolyCom Stabilising Aid exhibits at the ACE Expo
ACE EXPO – OUTDOOR DISPLAYS
P
OLYCOM will once again be exhibiting at ACE Expo. Don’t miss this opportunity to find out how you can get the edge over your competitors with PolyCom Stabilising Aid. Councils, Civil Contractors, Shires and Miners Australia wide are benefiting from PolyCom Stabilising Aid. Civil & Construction - Sub-grade improvement and capping - Stabilisation and improvement to gravel and crushed rock - Remediation of dispersive soils - Improvements to in-situ ground normally cut to spoil: improving clays, silts, sands and variations of these can deliver useful and workable in-situ ground, saving time and money for the project. Councils & Shires - Wear course upgrade - Pavement stabilization - Sediment control - Sustainable asset management Mining - Construction and upgrading of haul roads - Improvements to access roads and work areas - Haul fleet cost minimisation - Dust and erosion control Come and say g’day to the team at Earthco Projects at stand A19 and learn more about how you can benefit from PolyCom Stabilising Aid. Contact Earthco Projects on 1800 790 907; email: info@earthcoprojects.com.au or visit the website: www.earthcoprojects.com.au
Please see our ACE Expo advertisment on page 15
ACE EXPO – INDOOR PAVILION
Page 12 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
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2013
MELBOURNE SANDOWN RACECOURSE FEBRUARY 21-23
EXHIBITORS Company
Stand #
Company
A1 Lasers & GPS P/L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D32 ACRO Group s.r.o.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A27 Alemlube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A33 Andy’s Earthmovers Asia Pacific Pty Ltd. . . . . . . . . .B34 Atlas Weighing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A67 ATS Enterprises P/L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A56 Auskut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K03 Australian Earthmoving Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A58 Australian Taxation Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A46 Auswide Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C16 Auto Electrical Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A66 Baseplan Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A60 Bearcat Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H01 Beavertail Trailers (Aust) Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K11 Breakthru Hammers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C31 Carsales.com Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A50 CJD Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B05 Clark Equipment Sales P/L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F02 Complete Equipment Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H24 Contractor & amp; ConstructionIndustryNews.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A47 CR Kennedy & amp; Co Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C24 CROMMELINS Operations Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D24 Cummins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A16 Cutting Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D34 Daewoo Ind. Co., Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A54 Deutz Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A7 Dial Before You Dig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A05 Digga Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F16 Ditch Witch Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F31 DJM Fabrications (VIC) Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D28 Doherty Couplers & amp; Attachments. . . . . . . . . . .G04
Stand #
Drainchem Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A61 Earthco Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A19 Earthmover & amp; Civil Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . .A21 Earthmoving Attachment Hire Pty Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . .K05 Earthmoving Equipment Australia Pty Ltd. . . . . . . . .E19 Earthmoving Industry Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C11 Embrey Attachments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B08 Energy Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B06 Enzed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E06 EPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A75 Equipment Component Holdings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F04 Finlay Screening & amp; Crushing Systems Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B04 Fujian Tietuo Machinery Co. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A18 Galesafe Weighing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A20 Geoconnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K09 Geoequip Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F08 Hard Metal Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K01 Harrison F-Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D26 HXRT Rubber Tracks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D38 Indeco Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E02 Invision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A31 JCB Construction Equipment Australia . . . . . . . . . . .B15 Kennards Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C06 Komatsu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B03 Lavorwash Cleaning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B24 Lincom Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B01 LKL International Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E24 LS Attachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K10 Machines4u . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A15 Manitou Group - NTP Forklifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F24 MarketBook Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A26
Come and see us at Stand A20, ACE 2013. www.amrcn.com.au
Company
Stand #
MCE Lasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A53 Melbourne Tractors Pty Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B21 Mobile Screening and Crushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J30 MTU Detroit Diesel Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D20 MWOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A45 Ningbo Yinzhou Commercial Precision Casting Co., Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11 Norm Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C16 Norman G. Clark (A/Asia) Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D10 Onetrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B09 Peak Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A44 Penta Heavy Industry Co Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A48 Petromech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G16 PlantMiner.com.au . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A23 Poqutec Co., Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D30 Position Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H02 Powerking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A17 Precision Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A62 Pressure Right Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J23 Prestige Hino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E15 Qingdao Xinxing Construction Machinery Co., Ltd . . A7 Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A43 R & J Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A41 RBEI Pty LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A28 Ridge Tool Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A06 Roylances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A57 Semco Equipment Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C13 Sewell Sweepers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B28 Shandong Techgong Geotechnical Engineering Equipment Co., Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A1 Shore Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E23 Sitech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A72 Spitwater Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E36 Stevens Industries T/A Bucketman . . . . . . . . . . . . .D22 Sunraysia Insitute of TAFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K07 Supergroups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D02 TEREX Materials Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H28 Toyota Material Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C02 Tradecorp International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A25 Trademag - Earthmoving Equipment & BCM For Tradies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A70 Trader Classfieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A24 Trader Tag Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D08 Trafficca/ UAG Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D16 TRJ Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A51 TSB (Trade Services Bodies). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B32 TT Asia Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K02 Tutt Bryant Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G02 Ultimate Plant Trailers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E34 Veolia Network Services Pty Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H32 Victory Equipment Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B25 Viewpoint Construction Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A65 Wacker Neuson Pty Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B38 Walkers Hammers (vic). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J27 West Heavy Haulage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A29 Wirtgen Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J02 Wojun (Guangzhou) Rubber Co. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 Wozom Mechanical Industy Co. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 Wuxi Chuangneng Machinery Manufacturing Co. Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A9 Xuzhou Jiufa Construction Machinery Co. Ltd . . . . .A12
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 13
VÖGELE VISION 5200-2:
TOP-OF-THE-RANGE HIGHWAY CLASS PAVER! The tracked VISION 5200-2i is designed primarily for use in highway construction, where it is all about power and productivity. With its 6-cylinder Cummins engine delivering 179 kW, the heavy-duty paver achieves paving speeds up to 76 m/min. Two new VÖGELE Extending Screeds has been own developed for the VISION 5200-2i: the VR 600 with rear-mounted extensions is ideal for multi-lane paving and the VF 600 with front-mounted extensions is especially for multivariable width applications. Additional the machine comes with a drive concept standing out through precision and with ErgoPlus®, the revolutionary concept for easy paver operation.
Technical Highlights: Extension width from 3.05m to 6.0m Maximum Paving Width 8.6m Maximum Laydown Rate 1,200 tonnes/h Transport Width 3m
ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES
www.wirtgen-group.com Page 14 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
WIRTGEN Australia Pty Ltd 2-12 Sommerville Circuit · Emu Plains NSW 2750 Telephone: +61 2 4735 2699 · Telefax: +61 2 4735 6711 E-Mail: sales@wirtgen-aust.com.au www.amrcn.com.au
Repair
Maintain
Construct
Stabilize
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF POLYCOM STABILIZING AID, USED BY SOME OF THE KINGS OF CONSTRUCTION, AT THE ACE EXPO FEB 21-23 2013.
VISIT US AT STAND A19
www.roadmaker.com.au 1800 790 907
www.amrcn.com.au
Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 15
C.R.Kennedy takes iCON Machine Control to ACE Expo I
N THIS DAY and age of global, economic uncertainty, the survival of any business beyond a few years cannot be assured without discipline, dedication, a highly skilled workforce and a clear understanding of its relevant market. It’s therefore obvious that these characteristics must be in abundance at C.R. Kennedy because how else would you explain its survival and continued growth over the last 75 years. Established way back in 1934, C.R. Kennedy has gone from strength to strength since that pre-war era and it’s a combination of these invaluable business factors and in particular, its focus on the market in which it operates, that has set it apart from its competitors. Today the company can claim a blue chip client list that extends across Australia and includes hundreds of satisfied customers in every state. The world and the way we do things has changed much over those many years since the company’s inception and C.R. Kennedy is your fair dinkum, true-blue pioneer. A company that has forged a path through the frontline to become an important player. Particularly within the construction sector as a supplier of cutting edge survey and machine control solutions. At the heart of the company’s strength within the civil construction sector is the high standard of robust and highly accurate ‘measuring technology’ it provides to that industry. One of the giants in system product manufacture, which is exclusive to C.R. Kennedy, is Leica Geosystems. Again it’s a company that has carved out its own slice of history, in this case over the last 200 years. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with a significant reputation for developing a broad array of products, all with a finely tuned capability that can capture and visualise terrain accurately, model and analyses efficiently to map out reliable spatial information. Leica is part of the formidable Hexagon Group and operates in over 120 countries. Recently Hexagon purchased Mikrofyn and SBG amongst a number of other machine automation specialist companies. C.R. Kennedy is understandably proud of its exclusive relationship with Leica Geosystems and the company is also particularly excited about the new possibilities provided by Leica’s latest product range.
C.R. KENNEDY AND iCON PRESENT INTELLIGENT CONSTRUCTION The iCON (Intelligent Construction) machine control range not only incorporates the world’s best practice methodology and features the latest technological advances available, but without all the operational complexity that might be expected from such a forward thinking manufacturer. iCON has truly turned the page in simplifying the measuring process so that what may have been considered a complex task which required a qualified surveyor, can now be conducted by those less familiar with survey work. So whether you’re a foreman, site supervisor or even operate earthmoving machinery, the door is now wide open thanks to the software incorporated in iCON machine control products. In practice iCON is extremely user-friendly and allows personnel on site, other than an expensive qualified surveyor, to be able to pick up the iCON instruments and with the some simple rudimentary knowledge, stake out points, perform as-built checks or check cut fill values on the site to minimise downtime and ensure that the earthworks process is accurate, safe and efficient.
Page 16 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
The iCON range encompasses the whole project process from initial design, through to build and all processes in between. You can see the iCON and Leica range of time saving machine control products at this year’s ACE EXPO. C.R. Kennedy Survey Solutions in tandem with Gendore Tractors are sharing stand C24 at this year’s show and their products are a must-see, particularly for those involved in land preparation in both the construction and agricultural sectors. The ACE expo will run from the February 21st until the 23rd and C.R. Kennedy, apart from their new iCON Machine Control and Construction products, will feature a full range of lasers, measuring instruments and survey tools. C.R.KENNEDY EXPANDS ITS FOCUS TO THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR C.R. Kennedy has always been at the forefront in presenting leading edge systems for machine control automation and surveying within the civil construction sector and the company believes that there is no reason why the technological benefits of such state of theart equipment cannot provide advantages for the man on the land. Traditional methods of grading agricultural land have generally relied on drag scoops aided by laser systems to determine the correct grade level of the paddock. However, lasers can be temperamental when it’s too cold, too hot or too dusty. The laser receivers cannot always detect the laser beam but according to Scott Craik, C.R. Kennedy’s machine control, resident expert there is a much better way. “In the past we have, for the most part, provided machine control systems for surveying and automated construction plant guidance, but the challenge of providing better systems for the agricultural sector is irresistible. We have the power of technology at our disposal, which when applied can simplify the whole process of land forming and make the job itself far more cost effective and less time consuming.” The process C.R. Kennedy applies can expand or replace the traditional laser method with the addition of a construction grade GPS
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system. In conjunction with the drag scoop this system, not only overcomes the possible inconsistencies of laser performance due to extreme climate conditions or poor visibility but takes the grading process beyond the flat surface limitations of laser technology. How it works is very simple and comprehensive as Scott explains. “With the addition of a construction grade GPS a farmer can create a highly accurate and consistent topographical survey of every paddock in his domain regardless of whether the land is flat or contoured. The survey is then loaded onto the Leica iCON system and each paddock can then be graded when required and with far more accuracy and in less time than it takes with the usual methods. Of course you don’t need to be a qualified surveyor because this system gives back the operational control for such tasks to the farmer. It’s a relatively simple process and all performed from the lead tractor or earthmover. The icon system allows the farmer to measure the spatial information, transfer the data to his ‘earthmoving’ equipment and allows the farmer to accurately execute his design without the guesswork.” C.R. Kennedy has a national reach with fully qualified and experienced technicians operating from offices and service centres located in all major Australian cities. The company can offer full maintenance and service contracts with the supply of machine automation systems. This is supported by on-site technical assistance at the client’s location. There is an extraordinary sense of achievement within the company corridors of C.R. Kennedy and its formidable record of successful growth remains a driving force and one that will ensure, as it has done over the last 75 years that C.R. Kennedy, will stay ahead of the game for a long time to come. They are Australia’s leading supplier of automated machine control solutions and with a workforce to match its product range, history will surely be repeated. If you can’t make it to ACE Expo, I suggest you visit two websites for more information about C.R. Kennedy and its range of products: www.crkennedy.com.au For information about the Gendore range of tractors and laser buckets visit: www. gendore.com.au
Leica Geosystems intelligent CONstruction. Whether you construct buildings, roads, bridges or tunnels, you benefit from intelligent CONstruction. Leica iCON is more than a new product line or software package, it enables you to enhance your performance and increase your profitability through perfecting your construction workflow. Understanding construction demands outstanding solutions : t Custom-built t Complete t Straightforward t High performance
t VIC TORIA 9823 1533 vicsurvey@crkennedy.com.au t NEW SOUTH WALES 9552 8370 nswsurvey@crkennedy.com.au t Q U E E N S L A N D --- B R I S B A N E 3862 6210 --- M A C K AY 4 9 5 7 6 7 3 3 --- C A I R N S 4 0 3 1 5 3 9 9 qldsur vey@crkennedy.com.au t  SOUTH AUSTRALIA 8410 1366 sasurvey@crkennedy.com.au t WESTERN AUSTRALIA 9489 8500 wasurvey@crkennedy.com.au www.crkennedy.com.au/survey au au/su u /s / u
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 17
Federal Updates on Road Infrastructure Projects from the Office of Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese
Annabell Reaches One Kilometre Mark ORD MAYOR Graham Quirk (right) recently announced that Annabell, the first of Legacy Way’s two tunnel boring machines, has reached the one kilometre mark on the 4.6 kilometre tunnel. The Lord Mayor said this was another major milestone for the project, with Annabell exceeding expectations to date by excavating more than 20 per cent of the 520,000 m3 of rock. “This time six months ago, the 110 metre long, 2,800 tonne machine was being transported to the western worksite in pieces, where it was reassembled and commissioned,” Cr Quirk said. “Annabell is now making quicker than expected progress at about 25 metres a day – She was expected to excavate between 1020 metres per day and has already exceeded this distance on a number of occasions, with the team working around the clock, seven days a week, since tunnelling began in midAugust last year.” Cr Quirk said Brisbane was already seeing the economic benefits of Legacy Way with more than two million hours worked across the project since construction started in April 2011 and more than 4,200 different workers inducted to the site. “Legacy Way will have significant benefits, not only for motorists and our transport network but also for the local economy,” Cr Quirk said. “More than 4,200 staff and workers, subcontractors and specialists in a range of fields have been inducted on Legacy Way. “We have international tunnelling experts on the project partnering with local construction companies, which will enhance the knowledge and skill base in our local economy and allow international companies to establish their organisations locally to attract investment and job creation.” To date more than 120,000 m3 of rock and dirt has been excavated by Annabell, while a
L
Above: Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese
Preferred Builders Selected for Frederickton to Eungai
T
HIESS and McMahon Contractors have been selected to design and deliver the upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Frederickton and Eungai, with construction on this section expected to begin in the middle of this year. Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the project is part of the ongoing upgrade and full duplication of the Highway, the most expensive and complex road project ever undertaken in Australia. “More than two decades since the horrific Clybucca bus crash and after three years of planning and community consultations, I’m extremely pleased work on fixing this notorious 26.5 kilometre section will finally be underway by this time next year,” said Mr Albanese. “Once completed in 2016, this new, fully duplicated section will link up with the Kempsey Bypass which is currently under-construction and on track to be completed before Easter – more than 12 months early.” The $762 million project will be funded on a 50-50 basis by both the Federal and NSW governments, with the new section to be built to the west of the Highway’s existing alignment. NSW Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay said the Frederickton to Eungai upgrade will save lives and further reduce journey times. “The project will also build a major new interchange at Stuarts Point Road, install additional rest areas on both sides of the Highway south of Barraganyatti near Cooks Lane, and ensure local farmers can move equipment and livestock into and out of their properties,” said Mr Gay. “Lastly, it will prevent the Highway from being cut by all but a once in a century flooding event.” As at 30 June 2012, 346 kilometres – or almost 52 per cent – of the Pacific Highway had been upgraded to ‘motorway standard’. Compared to the mid-90s, the duplication that’s already been completed has reduced the time it takes to drive from Sydney to Brisbane by up to 90 minutes. Annual fatalities have been cut in half.
total of 4500 precast concrete segments, each weighing 7.5 tonnes, have been installed to date. Cr Quirk said the project’s second TBM, Joyce, was also making significant inroads, and it is hoped she will follow Annabell’s lead in progressing faster than expected. “Joyce was launched on October 5th and is now 200 metres into her journey and currently beneath the Toowong Cemetery,” he said. Legacy Way is Brisbane City Council’s 4.6km road tunnel that will connect the Western Freeway at Toowong with the Inner City Bypass (ICB) at Kelvin Grove. Once open in 2015, Legacy Way will almost halve peak hour travel times between the Centenary Bridge and the ICB. Cr Quirk acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for the project through $500 million in funding under the Nation Building Program. Federal Infrastructure and Transport
Minister Anthony Albanese said after several years of detailed planning, extensive community consultations and preconstruction activities, it was great to see this important project well underway. “We recognise that the task of modernising and expanding the City’s road, rail and public transport infrastructure is too big for any one level of government,” he said. “That’s why we have partnered with Brisbane City Council on the Legacy Way project, and we are determined to get the job done.” Mr Albanese said Legacy Way was just one of a number Federally-funded projects being rolled out across Australia’s fastest growing region. “Already we have committed $6.5 billion to modernising and expanding south east Queensland’s road, rail and public transport infrastructure. This is an unprecedented level of Federal investment in the region,” he said.
Gateway Motorway South Project Underway T
HE Gateway Motorway South project is now in progress, with a start of works ceremony getting the project underway. Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett recently joined Queensland Member for Springwood John Grant to turn the sod on the new on-ramp to the Pacific Motorway. “At the moment the Gateway Motorway southbound merge with the Pacific
Page 18 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
Motorway is a dangerous bottleneck with a high crash rate,” said Mr Perrett. “It’s one of Brisbane’s busiest on-ramps, carrying an average of 30,000 vehicles every day, with crash costs between January 2004 and December 2008 totalling an estimated $3.5 million – this figure is unacceptably high. “The Gateway Motorway South project is expected to increase road safety and reduce
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crash rates by giving motorists more time to merge, improving the road alignment and bringing it in line with current motorway design standards. “It will also reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of traffic movement for road users, especially those merging onto the Pacific Motorway,” said Mr Perrett. Queensland Member for Springwood, John Grant, said the Gateway Motorway South project was great news for south east Queensland, the fastest growing region in the state. “We need to work quickly to give the Brisbane–Gold Coast transport corridor the capacity it needs to keep projected traffic volumes flowing. “The full Gateway Motorway South project will provide funding to complete the Business Case, some land acquisition and construction works to widen Mt Gravatt – Capalaba Road to six lanes between Broadwater Road and Gardiner Road, across the Motorway,” said Mr Grant. The Federal Labor Government is committing $70 million through the Nation Building Program to the $140 million Gateway Motorway South project, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $70 million.
Vital TPAR Project Reaches Journeys End T
HE Townsville Port Access Road (TPAR) linking Flinders and Bruce Highways to the Port of Townsville opened in November 2012 and as a vital piece of infrastructure, it will provide many benefits for the Northern Queensland and greater Townsville community.
The Joint Venture project team from Abigroup and Seymour Whyte Construction (ASWJV) worked tirelessly to complete the project and apart from the usual challenges to be expected along the way, one of the biggest impediments has been the weather, with heavy rainfall being a regular feature on the construction schedule. The construction of the Ross River Bridge was the final piece of the puzzle in a $190 million project that commenced in August 2008 and the four year, two stage project has dramatically changed the gateway to Townsville. Despite the heavy rainfall that plagued the project from commencement of construction, to their great credit the project team overcame the odds to finish the task on time for the anticipated launch. The concept behind the Townsville Port Access Road was simple enough in theory; ‘to deliver a freight-efficient, strategic road link to the Port of Townsville that complements the natural environment, and achieves excellence and sustainability through all project phases with a high level of stakeholder support and recognition.’ I’m sure that anyone who has witnessed the new and completed road link would agree that the vision has been achieved. The Townsville Port Access Road was jointly funded by the Federal and Queensland governments each contributing $95 million. According to Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, since the start of construction the project has supported some 960 jobs both directly and indirectly. Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said once completed, the new Port Access Road will help support the City’s growing population and the region’s rapid economic development. “By taking trucks off local suburban streets, this new direct link to the Port will go a long way to easing congestion and helping to make Townsville an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Mr Emerson. The project covered a 10 kilometre stretch and was constructed in two sections. Section one saw the completion of the 2.5 kilometre Stuart Bypass which commences its journey on the Flinders Highway at Stuart Drive near Southwood Road. Moving northwards the bypass incorporates a rail-road overpass across
the north coast rail line with a new bridge built over Stuart Creek. A new intersection has been built near Burdell and Smail Streets, including an industrial service road. The Stuart Bypass finishes its journey on the Bruce Highway 600 metres south of the Visitor Information centre. The Stuart Bypass was opened to traffic on 22nd January 2010. At the termination of the new bypass, Section two, the 7.5 kilometre, Eastern Access Corridor (EAC) continues the journey northward to the Port of Townsville. Construction commenced on the EAC in May 2009. This second section also included the final and critical stage across the Ross River. This important link connected the access road to the Port of Townsville and featured a multispan bridge constructed over the Ross River. Stage two also featured a number of additional elements in order to fully integrate the Stuart Bypass with the surrounding road network and included Southwood Road and McCahill Street intersections. Six new bridges were constructed including the Ross River Bridge near the corner of Boundary Street and Benwell Road, South Townsville. The two new sections complete the access corridor and now provide direct access to the Port of Townsville from the west and south and dramatically reduces heavy vehicle traffic in residential areas. Although currently a two-lane road, the access corridor has its eye on the future and provides for expansion to accommodate another two lanes as well as rail and other services such as telecommunications, power and a conveyor. The Port of Townsville is one of Queensland’s largest industrial ports and is obviously critical to the economic welfare of the state, particularly in Northern Queensland. Over the last ten years trade, through the port has increased dramatically due to the growth of both the mining and industry sectors. The forecast for the future is equally positive with anticipated ongoing growth over the next 25 to 30 years seemingly assured. The TPAR project is therefore a key ingredient in providing adequate access to support the port and its future growth. There are also other projects that complement the new access corridor and they include the Townsville Ocean Terminal; Port of Townsville Commercial Marine Precinct Project, Rocky Springs Residential Development and the Townsville Bruce Highway Southern Access Corridor Upgrade. Congratulations to the Joint Venture team and all the contractors who worked on and successfully completed the Townsville Port Access Road. It’s a major piece of infrastructure which will enhance a region that, given recent times of hardship, deserves all the benefits it will bring.
Above: Map showing the route of the TAPR from Stuart in the south to the Townville Port in the north
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Above: The Townsville Port Access Road before completed
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Hydromulching & Hydroseeding Compost Blankets and Bark Blowing Drillseeding & Hay Mulching Native plants (local provenance seed / cutting collection) Habitat restoration, protection & enhancement Project Management & Consultancy services Design and construct capabilities Wetland Establishment; Revegetation and Rehabilitation of degraded sites & habitats Erosion & Sediment Control Mine Rehabilitation
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TOWNSVILLE Phone: (07) 4755 1200 Email: reveg@reveg.com.au CAIRNS Phone: (07) 4056 3577 Email: cairns@reveg.com.au
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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 19
Federal Updates on Road Infrastructure Projects from the Office of Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese
Perth City Link Project Remains on Track for a 2014 Completion R ECENTLY Anthony Albanese inspected progress on the partly Federally-funded Perth City Link project, and had the privilege to venture down into the new 625 metre long tunnel which will carry the Fremantle Line beneath the CBD.
Above: Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese
More Bruce Highway Upgrades Underway
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HE Bruce Highway upgrade is advancing in leaps and bounds, with works kicking off on the southern approach to Gin Gin and already underway across the Back Creek Range. Representing the Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese at the recent official ceremony marking the start of works on both projects, Queensland Senator Mark Furner said the works on the southern approaches to Gin Gin would improve the safety and efficiency of the highway in response to an adverse crash history. “This section of the Bruce Highway has seen more than its fair share of heavy vehicle crashes because of the curves in the road,” said Senator Furner. “We need to address that, and that is why the Federal Labor Government has committed to the upgrades. “The works here will improve the alignment of the road and the intersection with Bundaberg-Gin Gin Road. They will also widen the roadway, strengthen road shoulders and improve the private accesses.” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Scott Emerson, said the upgrade at Back Creek Range would realign the highway, widen the carriageway and increase the road shoulders. “The section of highway across the range includes the section locally referred to as the ‘Big Dipper’ and has a sub-standard alignment and a poor crash history,” said Mr Emerson. “These works will be extending an existing southbound overtaking lane, improving property access, constructing new turning lanes and upgrading road pavements.” Through the Nation Building Program, the Federal Labor Government is fully funding the $20 million upgrade of the Bruce Highway on the southern approach to Gin Gin. The Federal Government is also contributing $80 million towards the $100 million upgrade of two sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gin Gin: Cabbage Tree Creek to Carman Road and across Back Creek Range. The Queensland Government is providing the remaining $20 million.
This visionary project is part of Federal Labor’s historic investment in urban public transport infrastructure around the country. Indeed, we’ve already committed more Federal dollars to such projects than all our predecessors since Federation combined. As the first stage in the City Link project, the package of works now underway and on track to be completed in 2014 includes: • Sinking the Fremantle Line between William Street and Lake/King Street; • Upgrading Perth Station with new tiling, lighting and services along with converting the current Platform 9 into an island Platform 8/9; • Building a new Platform 10; • Extending the existing Joondalup line tunnel roof to Milligan Streets; • Creating a new pedestrian underpass connecting Perth Underground Station to all the platforms at Perth Station. Once completed, this redevelopment will make Perth an even more productive, sustainable and liveable city. In particular, sinking the Fremantle Line will reunite the business district with the Northbridge entertainment precinct,
and open up some 50,000 square metres of land for new retail, commercial and residential developments. Our $236 million contribution towards this $360 million project represents a significant investment by the national government in Perth and its future as a modern, vibrant metropolis. The State Government and the City of Perth
are providing the balance of the funding. In addition to the City Link project, Federal Labor is also providing more than $750 million towards upgrading the roads around the Airport and nearby industrial estates, and $280 million to widen the Great Eastern Highway from Kooyong Road to the Tonkin Highway.
New Maranoa River Bridge Work Starts on A new elevated bridge will soon replace the flood-damaged structure on the Warrego Highway at the Maranoa River east of Mitchell, with the Federal and Queensland Governments today approving an additional $8 million ($4 million each) in funding. Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the new bridge would be partly funded out of savings from other Nation Building Programs in the state. “Through best practice in construction, we’re driving every dollar further, and with a number of Nation Building projects in Queensland successfully completed under budget, we are allocating savings to the Roma to Mitchell upgrade on the Warrego Highway,” said Mr Albanese. “The replacement bridge at the Maranoa River will be 18 metres longer and almost a metre higher than the existing bridge, significantly above the height of the 2011 flood.
Page 20 - Australian Main Roads Construction News
“Past experience shows that this section of the Warrego Highway is prone to flooding. Flood proofing this section will greatly reduce the vulnerability of Roma and Mitchell residents and businesses being cut off from coastal areas of the State as well as Toowoomba.” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Warrego Highway upgrade between Roma and Mitchell would support the regional economy by allowing road trains access to Roma. “As well as the new Maranoa River Bridge, the project will see reconstruction of pavements, strengthening and widening of sections of the highway and construction of a new breakdown facility west of Roma,” said Mr Emerson. The funding approved today brings the Federal Labor Government’s commitment to the project to $44 million, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $14 million. Works are currently underway on the new bridge with completion due late this year.
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Walker Street Intersection Safety Upgrade THE Bruce Highway through Maryborough is set to become even safer following the start of work on the upgrade of the Walker Street intersection, the scene of a number of crashes in recent years. The fully-Federally funded safety improvements now being delivered by Georgiou Group will no doubt be welcomed by regular users of the Highway. Specifically, the $8.3 million project will straighten the approaches to the intersection, upgrade the southbound exit lane onto Walker Street and extend the right-turn lane off the Highway. The intersection will also be re-surfaced and its drainage upgraded. The project will be completed by the middle of this year. Funding for this upgrade is coming from the Federal Labor Government’s Bruce Highway Safety Package, the first ever program dedicated to eliminating notorious black spots, installing new rest stops and building additional overtaking lanes. Already this initiative: • Installing 50 new overtaking lanes; • Fixing over 100 dangerous black spots between Caboolture and Cairns; • Building some 24 new rest areas and stopping places as well as upgrading a significant number of existing rest areas. Since coming to office in late 2007, Federal Labor has committed more than $3.3 billion to upgrading the Bruce Highway for the up to 170,000 vehicles which use it daily. When compared to the former Howard government’s record of just $1.3 billion over 12 years, we’re investing twice as much in half the time.